Two Pedestrian Accidents Involving Pedestrians Walking In Crosswalks

As previously discussed on this site, pedestrian accidents involving people who are walking in crosswalks at the time of the collision happen on a regular basis. As such, one question that has arisen is whether crosswalks offer a “false sense of security” for pedestrians.

Various statistics for the Chicago area, as well as various individual pedestrian accidents summarized on this site, indicate a broad range of serious accident injuries for the pedestrians who are struck. Many of these accidents have led to fatal injuries.

Two recent Chicago-area pedestrian accidents have involved pedestrians who have been struck while walking in crosswalks.

Patricia Dahnke, of Lincolnwood, was crossing Touhy Avenue at Central Avenue around 5:48 a.m. when she was struck by a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 60-year-old Chicago man, Niles police said in a news release Friday.

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Dahnke was crossing Touhy Avenue from north to south against the red light when the collision occurred, Tornabene said.

Police believe the driver did not initially notice Dahnke because, as she began to cross Touhy Avenue, a semi-tractor trailer was making a left turn from eastbound Touhy Avenue onto northbound Central Avenue, Tornabene said.

Patricia Dahnke was 63 years old. She was pronounced dead after being taken to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. The driver of the car was ticketed for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Police say the 23-year-old driver of a 2007 Audi A4 was going the wrong way at a high rate of speed when he struck a 17-year-old female student about 8:45 a.m. Wednesday in the one-way student drop off lane. The student was walking through a marked crosswalk, police said.

The student was taken to the hospital for treatment of accident injuries including head injuries and unspecified injuries to the lower extremities.

Additional details regarding these two pedestrian accidents can be seen in the sources mentioned above. Additionally, various aspects of Chicago pedestrian accidents – including what to do if you are struck by a vehicle while walking – are discussed on the “Chicago Pedestrian Accidents” page.

Should you be involved in a car accident, there are certain actions you should take in order to protect your rights. You should not assume – especially without proper legal representation – that you will receive appropriate compensation for your injuries, hardships and/or losses. To speak directly with a trial lawyer from Elman Law Group immediately, call (773) 392-8182 at any time. There is no fee for this consultation.